timbo wrote:I just have to say this, the SBS telecast is brilliant (take note Channel 9, if you are actually bothered watching), Held together by Mike T, Matthew Keenan and David Mackenzie (apologies for spelling if its needed), the technicalities of track racing have become second nature to the casual observer (the better half).What with the upcoming SBS broadcasts of the euro classics, we should all be firing of an email to SBS thanking them for their comittment to cycling.

For a casual observer I guess the coverage is good, but I'm finding the commentary is average and Tomalaris and Mackenzie are having too much face time (annoying seeing them yapping when a race is happening in the background). It's about the races, not the chit chat. Too much about Australia, and too much about Anna for my liking but the mute button is my friend

The important part is that SBS is showing them, and the racing has been absolutely awesome.

timbo wrote:I just have to say this, the SBS telecast is brilliant (take note Channel 9, if you are actually bothered watching), Held together by Mike T, Matthew Keenan and David Mackenzie (apologies for spelling if its needed), the technicalities of track racing have become second nature to the casual observer (the better half).What with the upcoming SBS broadcasts of the euro classics, we should all be firing of an email to SBS thanking them for their comittment to cycling.

Agree that SBS did a great job, but having been there throughout, the glaring omissions from that list are Sophie Smith and the only rainbow jersey holder of the broadcast team, Kate Bates. BBC did a good job with interviews but the medallists (ours in particular) were delighted to step up to Kate Bates for their flash interviews every time, and her expert reading of the race meant her questions extracted quality information. Seeing Cam Meyer come off the points race and credit watching Kate win her first world title in the points race in 2007 as inspiring his love of points racing was pretty damn impressive.

I agree with you grasshopper, Kate Bates is a natural interviewer being articulate, informed and entertaining. Matt Keenan is beginning to grate on me as he goes into trivia far too much. Less is more, whereas Scott McGrory is very good imo. (I still remember with a chuckle, his call on the WRR champs in Geelong describing how an ozzie had to stop for a dump (his words) on the way to Geelong during the race.) Did Dave Mckenzie ever get the turn to camera right? OT switched over to the PR call with Dave Basheer and he introduced Henk Vogels who had the most malevolent set of eyes I've seen! Naturally suspicious and wary on camera, he does however offer good insights for these hard races. I'd like SBS just once have Henk and maybe Scott Sunderland call the race instead of the overblown, often wrong histrionics of the 2Ps.

... Hoy crowbarred his way between the two to snatch gold on the line.

Hoy, said "He picked the lock..." more like B&E (break and entry)... from what what I saw. Officials, were too busy watching Simon van Velthooven (for last 2 laps) to see what was actually happening.Hoy with his elbow, firmly over van Velthooven's, and pushing off... a great trick, if you get away with it. (kiddies: to note)Cheers

Lone Rider- I rode on the long, dark road... before I danced under the lights.

vander wrote:You could say how awkward Cam felt when she said he was the best points racer of all time. Big call and he really didnt know what to say to it.

A very big call. Especially in a Points race, where you don't worry about points, and rely on taking a lap (comes off, sometimes, by luck)

Then, again, in a Madison, (as shown... a lesson learnt) it comes apart... A great ride by the Belgians in the Madison, picture-book... takes points AND take laps. Love the Madison, to watch (not to ride in... was not my fav)... should be more on T.V. (IMO)Cheers

Lone Rider- I rode on the long, dark road... before I danced under the lights.

Uncle Just wrote:Matt Keenan is beginning to grate on me as he goes into trivia far too much. Less is more.

Well it's good to know I'm not the only one who is irritated by Keenan. He never shuts up. There is no need for a commentator to describe the obvious, And how often does he miss the moves because he refuses to interrupt the trivia. You can give me the pithy and amusing if one-eyed comments from David Harmon on Eurosport over Keenan anytime. At least he's had McGrory to keep his motormouth in check at the Worlds.